JP5082629B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP5082629B2
JP5082629B2 JP2007176982A JP2007176982A JP5082629B2 JP 5082629 B2 JP5082629 B2 JP 5082629B2 JP 2007176982 A JP2007176982 A JP 2007176982A JP 2007176982 A JP2007176982 A JP 2007176982A JP 5082629 B2 JP5082629 B2 JP 5082629B2
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image
holding member
intermediate transfer
image forming
forming apparatus
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JP2009015029A (en
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純 齋藤
勲 川上
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Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/341—Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/355—Personalisation of cards for use
    • G06Q20/3558—Preliminary personalisation for transfer to user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/36—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
    • G06Q20/367—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes involving electronic purses or money safes
    • G06Q20/3672—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes involving electronic purses or money safes initialising or reloading thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/0806—Details of the card
    • G07F7/0833—Card having specific functional components
    • G07F7/084—Additional components relating to data transfer and storing, e.g. error detection, self-diagnosis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G07F7/1008—Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G07F7/1016—Devices or methods for securing the PIN and other transaction-data, e.g. by encryption

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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  • Finance (AREA)
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus configured so that a toner image formed on the surface of an image holding member of an endless form moving with the toner image held thereon may be read by a reading sensor, the apparatus being designed so that the toner image on the surface of the image holding member may be accurately read by the reading sensor and the image holding member is prevented from being scratched. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is configured so that a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member 21 of an endless form moving with the toner image held thereon may be read by a reading sensor 9 disposed with a required space left from the surface of the image holding member. In the image forming apparatus, a mounting member 26 extending in the widthwise direction of the image holding member is disposed on the back of the image holding member disposed opposite the reading sensor. In addition, a pair of backup members 24 for pressing the image holding member to the reading sensor in contact with the back of the image holding member is disposed so as to project toward the reading sensor from the mounting member at both sides of the image holding member in its widthwise direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

本発明は、複写機，プリンタ，ファクシミリ、これらの複合機などの画像形成装置に係り、特に、トナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材と、この像保持部材の表面にトナー像を形成するトナー像形成手段と、上記の像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を読み取る読取センサーとを備えた画像形成装置において、上記の読取センサーによって像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を精度よく読み取ることができるようにすると共に、上記の像保持部材が傷つくのを防止するようにした点に特徴を有するものである。   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a composite machine of these, and in particular, an endless belt-like image holding member that holds and moves a toner image, and a toner on the surface of the image holding member In an image forming apparatus including a toner image forming unit that forms an image and a reading sensor that reads a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member, the image forming member is formed on the surface of the image holding member by the reading sensor. This is characterized in that the toner image can be read with high accuracy and the image holding member is prevented from being damaged.

複写機，プリンタ，ファクシミリ、これらの複合機などの画像形成装置においては、従来から、トナー像を保持して移動する像保持部材、例えば、トナー像が形成される感光体や、感光体に形成されたトナー像が転写される中間転写体において、像保持部材にトナー像が適切に形成されるように制御するため、像保持部材の表面に所定パターンのトナー像を形成し、このトナー像を読取センサーによって読み取ることが行われている。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, facsimiles, and multi-function machines, image holding members that hold and move a toner image, such as a photoconductor on which a toner image is formed, or a photoconductor In the intermediate transfer body to which the toner image is transferred, a toner image having a predetermined pattern is formed on the surface of the image holding member in order to control the toner image to be appropriately formed on the image holding member. Reading is performed by a reading sensor.

特に、近年においては、上記のような像保持部材に複数の色彩のトナー像を形成してフルカラーの画像形成を行うにあたり、各色のトナー像が精度よく重なり合うように画像形成のタイミングを制御するため、像保持部材の表面に形成された各色のトナー像を読取センサーによって読み取ることが行われている。   In particular, in recent years, when a full-color image is formed by forming a plurality of color toner images on the image holding member as described above, the timing of image formation is controlled so that the toner images of the respective colors are accurately overlapped. The toner image of each color formed on the surface of the image holding member is read by a reading sensor.

また、このようなフルカラーの画像形成を行う画像形成装置としては、複数の感光体にそれぞれ色彩の異なるトナー像を形成し、各感光体に形成された各色彩のトナー像を無端ベルト状の中間転写ベルトの表面に一次転写させて、この中間転写ベルトの表面にフルカラーのトナー像を形成し、このように形成されたフルカラーのトナー像を中間転写ベルトから記録媒体に二次転写させるようにしたものが広く利用されている。   In addition, as an image forming apparatus that performs such full-color image formation, toner images of different colors are formed on a plurality of photoconductors, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductors are intermediated in an endless belt shape. A primary transfer is performed on the surface of the transfer belt to form a full-color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt, and the full-color toner image thus formed is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to the recording medium. Things are widely used.

ここで、このようなフルカラーの画像形成装置において、上記の中間転写ベルトの表面に形成された各色のトナー像を読取センサーによって読み取るにあたり、この読取センサーと中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像との距離や角度等が変動すると、正確なトナー像の読み取りが行えなくなり、適切な画像制御が行えなくなるという問題があった。   Here, in such a full-color image forming apparatus, when the toner image of each color formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt is read by the reading sensor, the toner image formed on the surface of the reading sensor and the intermediate transfer belt. If the distance, angle, etc. vary, the toner image cannot be read accurately, and proper image control cannot be performed.

このため、従来においては、特許文献１に示されるように、読取センサーと対向する位置において、中間転写ベルトの背面側に当接する背面当接部材を設け、この背面当接部材によって読取センサーと中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像との距離や角度等が変動するのを抑制するようにしたものが提案されている。   For this reason, conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a back contact member that contacts the back side of the intermediate transfer belt is provided at a position facing the read sensor, and the back contact member is provided between the read sensor and the intermediate portion. There has been proposed one that suppresses fluctuations in distance, angle, and the like with a toner image formed on the surface of a transfer belt.

ここで、この特許文献１においては、上記のように中間転写ベルトの背面側に当接する背面当接部材として、中間転写ベルトの背面側に当接する面が平滑面である板状の部材を設けるようにしたものや、回転可能な一対のローラを所要間隔を介して設けるようにしたものが提案されている。   Here, in Patent Document 1, as described above, a plate-like member having a smooth surface on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt is provided as the back surface contact member that contacts the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt. There have been proposed such a configuration and a configuration in which a pair of rotatable rollers are provided at a required interval.

しかし、上記のような板状の背面当接部材を用いた場合、この背面当接部材の面全体に中間転写ベルトが適切に接触されず、読取センサーと対向する位置において、中間転写ベルトが波打って、読取センサーと中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像との距離や角度等が変動したり、板状の背面当接部材との接触によって中間転写ベルトが傷ついたりするという問題があった。   However, when the plate-like back contact member as described above is used, the intermediate transfer belt is not properly brought into contact with the entire surface of the back contact member, and the intermediate transfer belt is waved at a position facing the reading sensor. The distance between the reading sensor and the toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt, the angle, etc. may fluctuate, and the intermediate transfer belt may be damaged by contact with the plate-like back contact member. It was.

また、上記の背面当接部材として、回転可能な一対のローラを所要間隔を介して設けた場合には、各ローラの回転中心や取付位置のずれ等によって、読取センサーと中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像との距離や角度等が変動する等の問題があった。   In addition, when a pair of rotatable rollers is provided as a back contact member at a required interval, the surface of the reading sensor and the intermediate transfer belt may be changed depending on the rotation center of each roller or a shift in the mounting position. There has been a problem that the distance and angle with the formed toner image fluctuate.

また、従来においては、特許文献２に示されるように、読取センサーと対向する位置において、中間転写ベルトの背面側に当接するように弾性部材を設け、この弾性部材によって読取センサーと中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像との距離や角度等が変動するのを抑制するようにしたものが提案されている。   Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, an elastic member is provided so as to contact the back side of the intermediate transfer belt at a position facing the reading sensor, and the elastic member causes the reading sensor and the intermediate transfer belt to be in contact with each other. There has been proposed one that suppresses fluctuations in distance, angle, and the like with a toner image formed on the surface.

ここで、この特許文献２においては、上記のように中間転写ベルトの背面側に当接するように設ける弾性部材として、スポンジ、ゴム、プラスチック等を用いることが提案されている。   Here, in Patent Document 2, it is proposed to use sponge, rubber, plastic or the like as an elastic member provided so as to contact the back side of the intermediate transfer belt as described above.

しかし、スポンジ等からなる弾性部材を中間転写ベルトの背面側に当接させて中間転写ベルトを移動させるようにした場合、弾性部材との間の摩擦によって、中間転写ベルトの移動にむらが発生したり、中間転写ベルトが波打った状態になったり、さらにこの弾性部材が変形して、読取センサーと中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像との距離や角度等が変動し、中間転写ベルトの表面に形成されたトナー像を正確に読み取ることが困難になる等の問題があった。
特開平１１−２２０５８６号公報 特開２０００−２７５９７７号公報 However, when the intermediate transfer belt is moved by bringing an elastic member made of sponge or the like into contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt, uneven movement of the intermediate transfer belt occurs due to friction with the elastic member. The intermediate transfer belt becomes wavy, or the elastic member is deformed to change the distance and angle between the reading sensor and the toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to accurately read the toner image formed on the surface of the toner.
JP-A-11-220586 JP 2000-275977 A

本発明は、上記の中間転写ベルトのようにトナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材を用い、この像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を読取センサーによって読み取るようにした画像形成装置における上記のような問題を解決することを課題とするものである。   The present invention uses an endless belt-like image holding member that holds and moves a toner image like the above intermediate transfer belt, and reads a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member by a reading sensor. An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems in an image forming apparatus.

すなわち、本発明においては、上記のような画像形成装置において、上記の像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を読取センサーによって精度よく読み取ることができるようにすると共に、上記の像保持部材が傷つくのを防止することを課題とするものである。   That is, according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus as described above, the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member can be accurately read by the reading sensor, and the image holding member is The problem is to prevent damage.

本発明に係る画像形成装置においては、上記のような課題を解決するため、トナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材と、この像保持部材の表面にトナー像を形成するトナー像形成手段と、上記の像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を読み取る読取センサーとを備えた画像形成装置において、上記の読取センサーを像保持部材の表面と所要間隔を介した位置に設けると共に、この読取センサーと対向する像保持部材の裏面側に、像保持部材の幅方向に沿った取付部材を設け、上記の像保持部材の裏面に当接させて像保持部材を読取センサー側に付勢する一対のバックアップ部材を、像保持部材の幅方向両側部において上記の取付部材から読取センサー側に突出するように設けると共に、上記の一対のバックアップ部材の間に、取付部材から読取センサー側に突出するように補助部材を設け、この補助部材が読取センサー側に突出する長さが、上記のバックアップ部材が読取センサー側に突出する長さ以下になるようにした。 In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems, an endless belt-shaped image holding member that holds and moves a toner image, and a toner that forms a toner image on the surface of the image holding member In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a reading sensor that reads a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member, the reading sensor is provided at a position with a predetermined distance from the surface of the image holding member. At the same time, an attachment member along the width direction of the image holding member is provided on the back side of the image holding member facing the reading sensor, and is brought into contact with the back side of the image holding member so that the image holding member faces the reading sensor. a pair of backup members for urging, in both widthwise side portions of the image holding member is provided so as to protrude into the sensor side reading from said mounting member Rutotomoni, between said pair of back-up member An auxiliary member so as to protrude to the sensor side reading from the mounting member is provided, the length of the auxiliary member protrudes to the sensor side reading has to be equal to or less than the length of said backup member protrudes to the sensor side reading.

ここで、上記のようにバックアップ部材によって像保持部材を読取センサー側に付勢するにあたっては、このバックアップ部材の像保持部材と当接する面を、起毛された繊維材料等の低摩擦性軟質材料で構成することが好ましい。   Here, when the image holding member is urged toward the reading sensor by the backup member as described above, the surface of the backup member that comes into contact with the image holding member is made of a soft material having low friction such as a raised fiber material. It is preferable to configure.

そして、本発明における画像形成装置においては、上記の像保持部材が読取センサーと対向する位置において、上記のバックアップ部材により適切に付勢されて平坦な状態で維持されるようにするため、このバックアップ部材を取付部材よりも像保持部材の移動方向の下流側と上流側の少なくとも一方に突出させるようにすることが好ましい。   In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image holding member is appropriately biased by the backup member and maintained in a flat state at a position facing the reading sensor. It is preferable that the member protrudes at least one of the downstream side and the upstream side in the moving direction of the image holding member from the mounting member.

また、本発明における画像形成装置においては、上記の一対のバックアップ部材の間において、像保持部材が波打って取付部材と衝突するのを抑制するため、上記の一対のバックアップ部材の間において、取付部材から読取センサー側に突出するように補助部材を設けると共に、このように一対のバックアップ部材の間に補助部材を設ける場合に、この補助部材によって像保持部材がバックアップ部材から浮き上がったりして、バックアップ部材によって像保持部材を読取センサー側に適切に付勢することができなくなるのを防止するため、この補助部材が読取センサー側に突出する長さを、上記のバックアップ部材が読取センサー側に突出する長さ以下にしたのである。また、この補助部材を取付部材よりも像保持部材の移動方向の下流側と上流側の少なくとも一方に突出させる場合には、このように突出させる補助部材の長さを、上記のバックアップ部材が像保持部材の移動方向の下流側と上流側の少なくとも一方に突出する長さ以下にすることが好ましい。 In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image holding member is prevented from undulating and colliding with the mounting member between the pair of backup members. Rutotomoni an auxiliary member so as to protrude to the sensor side reading from member, when providing such an auxiliary member between the pair of back-up member, the image holding member by the auxiliary member is or lifted from the back-up member, In order to prevent the image holding member from being properly biased toward the reading sensor by the backup member, the length of the auxiliary member protruding toward the reading sensor is set to the length that the auxiliary member protrudes toward the reading sensor. It was made less than the length to be . In addition , when the auxiliary member is projected to at least one of the downstream side and the upstream side in the moving direction of the image holding member relative to the mounting member, the length of the auxiliary member thus projected is determined by the backup member. It is preferable that the length of the holding member be equal to or shorter than the length protruding at least one of the downstream side and the upstream side in the moving direction.

また、本発明における画像形成装置においては、上記の像保持部材の表面に色彩の異なるトナー像を形成するトナー像形成手段を複数設け、上記の像保持部材の表面にフルカラーのトナー像を形成させるようにすることができる。   In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of toner image forming units for forming toner images of different colors are provided on the surface of the image holding member, and a full color toner image is formed on the surface of the image holding member. Can be.

また、トナー像を保持して移動する上記の無端ベルト状の像保持部材としては、例えば、無端ベルト状になったベルト感光体や中間転写ベルトが用いられる。   As the endless belt-like image holding member that holds and moves the toner image, for example, a belt photoreceptor or an intermediate transfer belt in the form of an endless belt is used.

ここで、上記の無端ベルト状の像保持部材が中間転写ベルトである場合には、上記のトナー像形成手段にトナー像が形成される感光体を設け、この感光体に形成されたトナー像を像保持部材である中間転写ベルトに転写させるようにする。   Here, when the endless belt-shaped image holding member is an intermediate transfer belt, the toner image forming unit is provided with a photoreceptor on which a toner image is formed, and the toner image formed on the photoreceptor is The image is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt that is an image holding member.

また、上記の無端ベルト状の像保持部材が中間転写ベルトである場合において、読取センサーと対向する像保持部材の裏面側に上記の取付部材を設けるにあたっては、上記の中間転写ベルトの内周側に設けられて中間転写ベルトを回転駆動させる回転ローラと、上記の感光体に形成されたトナー像を中間転写ベルトに一次転写させる一次転写部材とが、中間転写ベルトの幅方向両側に設けられた一対のフレームに取り付けられた中間転写ユニットを用い、上記の一対のフレーム間に架け渡すようにして取付部材を設けることができる。   In the case where the endless belt-shaped image holding member is an intermediate transfer belt, when the mounting member is provided on the back side of the image holding member facing the reading sensor, the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt is used. A rotation roller for rotating the intermediate transfer belt and a primary transfer member for primary transfer of the toner image formed on the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer belt are provided on both sides in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt. Using the intermediate transfer unit attached to the pair of frames, the attachment member can be provided so as to span between the pair of frames.

本発明の画像形成装置においては、トナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を、像保持部材の表面と所要間隔を介して設けられ読取センサーによって読み取るにあたり、読取センサーと対向する像保持部材の裏面側に像保持部材の幅方向に沿った取付部材を設け、上記の像保持部材の幅方向両側部において、この取付部材から読取センサー側に突出するように設けた一対のバックアップ部材を、像保持部材の裏面に当接させて像保持部材を読取センサー側に付勢させるようにした。   In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner image formed on the surface of the endless belt-shaped image holding member that holds and moves the toner image is provided on the surface of the image holding member through a required distance by a reading sensor. For reading, mounting members are provided along the width direction of the image holding member on the back side of the image holding member facing the reading sensor, and project from the mounting member to the reading sensor side on both sides in the width direction of the image holding member. The pair of backup members provided in such a manner are brought into contact with the back surface of the image holding member to urge the image holding member toward the reading sensor.

このため、上記の像保持部材が読取センサーと対向する位置において上記の一対のバックアップ部材により付勢され、この像保持部材がバックアップ部材に沿って平坦な状態になり、像保持部材と読取センサーとの間の距離や角度が一定した状態で維持されるようになると共に、この一対のバックアップ部材間において像保持部材が取付部材から離れた状態で維持され、像保持部材が取付部材と衝突するのも防止されるようになる。   For this reason, the image holding member is biased by the pair of backup members at a position facing the reading sensor, and the image holding member becomes flat along the backup member, and the image holding member, the reading sensor, The distance and angle between the pair of backup members are maintained in a state where the distance and angle between the pair of backup members are kept constant, and the image holding member collides with the mounting member. Will also be prevented.

この結果、本発明の画像形成装置においては、上記の像保持部材が取付部材と衝突して傷ついたりすることがなく、この像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を上記の読取センサーによって精度よく読み取ることができるようになり、長期にわたって安定した画像制御が行えるようになる。   As a result, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image holding member does not collide with the mounting member and is not damaged, and the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member is accurately detected by the reading sensor. The image can be read well, and stable image control can be performed over a long period of time.

次に、この発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置を添付図面に基づいて具体的に説明する。なお、本発明に係る画像形成装置は、下記の実施形態に示したものに限定されず、その要旨を変更しない範囲において適宜変更して実施できるものである。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to those shown in the following embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

この実施形態においては、トナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材として中間転写ベルトを用いた画像形成装置について説明する。   In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer belt as an endless belt-shaped image holding member that holds and moves a toner image will be described.

ここで、この実施形態の画像形成装置においては、図１に示すように、その装置本体１内に、トナー像形成手段として、４つのイメージングカートリッジ１０Ａ〜１０Ｄを装着させるようにしている。   Here, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, four imaging cartridges 10A to 10D are mounted in the apparatus main body 1 as toner image forming means.

ここで、上記の各イメージングカートリッジ１０Ａ〜１０Ｄにおいては、回転するドラム状の感光体１１と、この感光体１１の表面を帯電させる帯電装置１２と、帯電された感光体１１の表面に画像情報に応じた露光を行って感光体１１の表面に静電潜像を形成する露光装置１３と、上記の感光体１１の表面に形成された静電潜像にトナーを供給してトナー像を形成する現像装置１４と、上記の感光体１１の表面に形成されたトナー像を中間転写ベルト２１に転写させた後における感光体１１の表面にクリーニングブレード１５ａを圧接させて感光体１１の表面に残留するトナー等の残留物を除去する第１クリーニング装置１５が設けられている。   Here, in each of the imaging cartridges 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D, the rotating drum-shaped photoconductor 11, the charging device 12 that charges the surface of the photoconductor 11, and the image information on the surface of the charged photoconductor 11 are displayed. An exposure apparatus 13 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 11 by performing appropriate exposure, and supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 11 to form a toner image. After the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 11 and the developing device 14 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21, the cleaning blade 15a is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive member 11 and remains on the surface of the photosensitive member 11. A first cleaning device 15 is provided to remove residues such as toner.

そして、この実施形態に係る画像形成装置において、フルカラーの画像形成を行うにあたっては、上記の各イメージングカートリッジ１０Ａ〜１０Ｄにおける各現像装置１４に、黒色，黄色，マゼンダ色，シアン色の異なった色彩のトナーを収容させ、各イメージングカートリッジ１０Ａ〜１０Ｄにおいて、各感光体１１の表面にそれぞれの色彩のトナー像を形成するようにしている。   In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, when full color image formation is performed, each developing device 14 in each of the imaging cartridges 10A to 10D has different colors of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan. Toner is accommodated, and a toner image of each color is formed on the surface of each photoconductor 11 in each of the imaging cartridges 10A to 10D.

次いで、このように各イメージングカートリッジ１０Ａ〜１０Ｄにおける各感光体１１の表面に形成された各色彩のトナー像を、回転ローラ２２に架け渡されて回転移動する中間転写ベルト２１の表面に、各感光体１１とこの中間転写ベルト２１を介して対向するようにして設けられたローラ状の各一次転写部材２３により順々に転写させて、この中間転写ベルト２１の表面にフルカラーのトナー像を形成するようにしている。   Next, the toner image of each color formed on the surface of each photoconductor 11 in each imaging cartridge 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D in this way is placed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 that is stretched around the rotation roller 22 and rotates. The toner image is sequentially transferred by each roller-shaped primary transfer member 23 provided so as to face the body 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 21 therebetween, and a full-color toner image is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. I am doing so.

そして、このように中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成されたフルカラーのトナー像をローラ状になった二次転写部材５の位置に導くようにする一方、給紙ローラ３により記録媒体Ｓを給紙し、タイミングローラ４によってこの記録媒体Ｓを適当なタイミングで、フルカラーのトナー像が形成された中間転写ベルト２１と二次転写部材５との間に導き、中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成された上記のフルカラーのトナー像をこの記録媒体Ｓに転写させるようにしている。   The full color toner image thus formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is guided to the position of the secondary transfer member 5 in the form of a roller, while the recording medium S is fed by the paper feed roller 3. The recording medium S is guided by the timing roller 4 between the intermediate transfer belt 21 on which the full-color toner image is formed and the secondary transfer member 5 at an appropriate timing, and is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. The full color toner image is transferred to the recording medium S.

次いで、このようにフルカラーのトナー像が転写された記録媒体Ｓを定着装置６に導き、上記のフルカラーのトナー像を記録媒体Ｓに定着させた後、この記録媒体Ｓを排紙ローラ７により排紙させるようにしている。   Next, the recording medium S to which the full-color toner image has been transferred in this way is guided to the fixing device 6, and after fixing the full-color toner image on the recording medium S, the recording medium S is discharged by the paper discharge roller 7. I try to make it paper.

また、上記のように中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成されたフルカラーのトナー像を記録媒体Ｓに転写させた後、この中間転写ベルト２１の表面に第２クリーニング装置８に設けられたクリーニングブレード８ａを圧接させて、記録媒体Ｓに転写されずに中間転写ベルト２１の表面に残ったトナー等の残留物を中間転写ベルト２１から除去するようにしている。   Further, after the full-color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 as described above is transferred to the recording medium S, the cleaning blade 8 a provided in the second cleaning device 8 is provided on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. The toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 21 without being transferred onto the recording medium S and remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

ここで、上記の中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成される各色のトナー像が精度よく重なり合うように、画像形成のタイミングを制御するため、この実施形態の画像形成装置においては、上記の各イメージングカートリッジ１０Ａ〜１０Ｄにより中間転写ベルト２１の表面に所定パターンのトナー像を形成し、このトナー像を読取センサー９によって読み取るにあたり、図１に示すように、中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向の最下流側に位置する一次転写部材２３と上記の二次転写部材５と対向する回転ローラ２２との間において、中間転写ベルト２１の表面と所要間隔を介するようにして読取センサー９を設けると共に、この読取センサー９と対向する中間転写ベルト２１の裏面側に、この中間転写ベルト２１を読取センサー９側に付勢するようにして当接するバックアップ部材２４を設けるようにしている。   Here, in order to control the image formation timing so that the toner images of the respective colors formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 overlap with each other with accuracy, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes the above-described imaging cartridges. When a toner image having a predetermined pattern is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 by 10A to 10D and this toner image is read by the reading sensor 9, as shown in FIG. A reading sensor 9 is provided between the primary transfer member 23 positioned and the rotary roller 22 facing the secondary transfer member 5 so as to be spaced from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the reading sensor 9. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is urged toward the reading sensor 9 on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 21 that is opposed to A manner so that provision of the backup member 24 abuts.

ここで、このように読取センサー９と対向する中間転写ベルト２１の裏面側に、この中間転写ベルト２１を読取センサー９側に付勢するようにして当接するバックアップ部材２４を設けるにあたり、この実施形態においては、図２に示すように、上記の回転ローラ２２と上記の一次転写部材２３とを中間転写ベルト２１の幅方向両側に設けられた一対のフレーム２５に取り付けた中間転写ユニット２０を用いるようにしている。   Here, when the backup member 24 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 21 so as to bias the intermediate transfer belt 21 toward the reading sensor 9 is provided on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 21 facing the reading sensor 9 in this manner, 2, an intermediate transfer unit 20 in which the rotating roller 22 and the primary transfer member 23 are attached to a pair of frames 25 provided on both sides in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is used. I have to.

そして、図２及び図３に示すように、上記の中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向の最下流側に位置する一次転写部材２３と上記の二次転写部材５と対向する回転ローラ２２との間において、上記の一対のフレーム２５間に架け渡すように取付部材２６を設けている。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, between the primary transfer member 23 located on the most downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the rotating roller 22 facing the secondary transfer member 5. A mounting member 26 is provided so as to span between the pair of frames 25.

また、上記の中間転写ベルト２１の幅方向両側部の位置において、上記の取付部材２６にそれぞれバックアップ部材２４を、この取付部材２６よりも読取センサー９側及び中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側に突出するように取り付け、さらにこの一対のバックアップ部材２４の中間に、補助部材２７を、上記のバックアップ部材２４と同様に、取付部材２６よりも読取センサー９側及び中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側に突出するようにして取り付けている。   In addition, at the positions on both sides in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21, the backup member 24 is placed on the mounting member 26, and the reading sensor 9 side and the downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 with respect to the mounting member 26. Further, the auxiliary member 27 is installed in the middle of the pair of backup members 24 so as to protrude, as in the case of the backup member 24 described above. It is attached to protrude.

ここで、上記のように補助部材２７を一対のバックアップ部材２４の中間に設けるにあたっては、この補助部材２７によって中間転写ベルト２１が付勢され、中間転写ベルト２１が上記の一対のバックアップ部材２４から浮き上がって、バックアップ部材２４の位置で波打ったりするのを抑制するため、この補助部材２７が読取センサー９側に突出する量及び中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側に突出する量を、上記のバックアップ部材２４の場合よりも若干も小さくし、中間転写ベルト２１がこの一対のバックアップ部材２４に付勢されて張った状態で維持されるようにしている。   Here, when the auxiliary member 27 is provided between the pair of backup members 24 as described above, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is urged by the auxiliary member 27, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is moved from the pair of backup members 24. In order to suppress floating and undulation at the position of the backup member 24, the amount by which the auxiliary member 27 protrudes toward the reading sensor 9 and the amount at which the intermediate transfer belt 21 protrudes downstream in the moving direction are set as described above. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is maintained in a tensioned state by being biased by the pair of backup members 24 so that it is slightly smaller than the case of the backup member 24.

また、上記のようにバックアップ部材２４を取付部材２６に取り付けるにあたっては、図４に示すように、このバックアップ部材２４が中間転写ベルト２１と接触する表面に、起毛された繊維材料等の低摩擦性軟質材料、例えば千代田インテグレ社製のシーアイセーム（商品名）からなる表面部材２４ａを用い、この表面部材２４ａをプラスチック等の剛性の支持部材２４ｂを介して取付部材２６に取り付けるようにしている。なお、上記の補助部材２７の材質については特に限定されないが、中間転写ベルト２１が接触した場合に、この中間転写ベルト２１が傷ついたり、中間転写ベルト２１との間における摩擦が高くなったりするのを防止するため、図示していないが、上記のバックアップ部材２４と同様に構成することが好ましい。   Further, when the backup member 24 is attached to the attachment member 26 as described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the surface of the backup member 24 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 21 has a low friction property such as a raised fiber material. A surface material 24a made of a soft material, for example, CICEM (trade name) manufactured by Chiyoda Integre Co., Ltd. is used, and this surface member 24a is attached to the attachment member 26 via a rigid support member 24b such as plastic. The material of the auxiliary member 27 is not particularly limited. However, when the intermediate transfer belt 21 comes into contact, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is damaged or friction with the intermediate transfer belt 21 increases. In order to prevent this, although not shown in the figure, it is preferable to configure in the same manner as the backup member 24 described above.

そして、上記のように一対のバックアップ部材２４を、取付部材２６よりも読取センサー９側に突出すると共に中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側に突出するようにして設け、この一対のバックアップ部材２４により中間転写ベルト２１を読取センサー９側に付勢するようにして、この中間転写ベルト２１の裏面に一対のバックアップ部材２４当接させると、中間転写ベルト２１がこの一対のバックアップ部材２４に沿った張った状態になり、中間転写ベルト２１が読取センサー９と対向する位置において中間転写ベルト２１が波打ったりすることがなく、中間転写ベルト２１と読取センサー９との間の距離や角度が一定した状態で維持され、中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成された所定パターンのトナー像を上記の読取センサー９によって適切に読み取ることができるようになる。   Then, as described above, the pair of backup members 24 are provided so as to protrude to the reading sensor 9 side from the mounting member 26 and to the downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21. When the intermediate transfer belt 21 is urged toward the reading sensor 9 and is brought into contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is stretched along the pair of backup members 24. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is not wavy at the position where the intermediate transfer belt 21 faces the reading sensor 9, and the distance and angle between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the reading sensor 9 are constant. The toner image of the predetermined pattern formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is maintained by the reading sensor 9 described above. It is possible to appropriately read.

また、上記のようにバックアップ部材２４が中間転写ベルト２１と接触する表面に、起毛された繊維材料等の低摩擦性軟質材料からなる表面部材２４ａを用いると、このバックアップ部材２４との接触によって中間転写ベルト２１が傷ついたり、バックアップ部材２４との接触による摩擦によって中間転写ベルト２１の移動にむらが発生するということがなく、中間転写ベルト２１がこのバックアップ部材２４に当接されながら安定して移動し、中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成された所定パターンのトナー像を上記の読取センサー９によってより適切に読み取ることができるようになる。   Further, when the surface member 24 a made of a low frictional soft material such as a raised fiber material is used on the surface where the backup member 24 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 21 as described above, the contact with the backup member 24 causes an intermediate state. The transfer belt 21 is not damaged, or the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is not uneven due to friction caused by contact with the backup member 24. The intermediate transfer belt 21 moves stably while being in contact with the backup member 24. Thus, the toner image having a predetermined pattern formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 can be read more appropriately by the reading sensor 9 described above.

また、この実施形態の画像形成装置においては、上記のように一対のバックアップ部材２４の中間において、補助部材２７を取付部材２６よりも読取センサー９側及び中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側にバックアップ部材２４よりも少ない突出量になるようにして突出させている。このため、上記のように中間転写ベルト２１が一対のバックアップ部材２４から浮き上がってバックアップ部材２４の位置で波打ったりすることがない。
In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the auxiliary member 27 is backed up on the side of the reading sensor 9 and on the downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 with respect to the mounting member 26 in the middle of the pair of backup members 24 as described above. The projecting amount is smaller than that of the member 24 . For this reason , the intermediate transfer belt 21 does not float from the pair of backup members 24 and undulates at the position of the backup members 24 as described above.

また、中間転写ベルト２１がこの一対のバックアップ部材２４の間において補助部材２７に接触することにより、中間転写ベルト２１が上記の取付部材２６に衝突して傷つくのが防止されると共に、中間転写ベルト２１がこの一対のバックアップ部材２４の間において波打った状態になるのが防止され、この一対のバックアップ部材２４と近接した中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向の最下流側に位置する一次転写部材２３の位置において中間転写ベルト２１が波打った状態になるのが抑制され、この一次転写部材２３に対向する感光体１１に形成されたトナー像を転写させる際に、転写抜け等が発生するのも防止れるようになる。   Further, the intermediate transfer belt 21 comes into contact with the auxiliary member 27 between the pair of backup members 24, so that the intermediate transfer belt 21 is prevented from colliding with the mounting member 26 and being damaged, and the intermediate transfer belt. 21 is prevented from undulating between the pair of backup members 24, and the primary transfer member 23 located on the most downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 adjacent to the pair of backup members 24 is prevented. It is possible to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 21 from being undulated at the position, and to prevent a transfer omission or the like from occurring when the toner image formed on the photoconductor 11 facing the primary transfer member 23 is transferred. It comes to be.

なお、この実施形態の画像形成装置においては、中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向の最下流側に位置する一次転写部材２３と上記の二次転写部材５と対向する回転ローラ２２との間において、読取センサー９を中間転写ベルト２１の表面と所要間隔を介して設けると共に、この読取センサー９と対向する中間転写ベルト２１の裏面側に、取付部材２６を介してバックアップ部材２４を設けるようにしたが、読取センサー９及びバックアップ部材２４を設ける位置は特に限定されない。   In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, reading is performed between the primary transfer member 23 located on the most downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the rotary roller 22 facing the secondary transfer member 5. While the sensor 9 is provided with a required distance from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21, the backup member 24 is provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 21 facing the reading sensor 9 via an attachment member 26. The positions where the reading sensor 9 and the backup member 24 are provided are not particularly limited.

例えば、図５に示すように、読取センサー９及びこの読取センサー９と対向する中間転写ベルト２１の裏面側に設けるバックアップ部材２４を、上記の二次転写部材５と対向する回転ローラ２２よりも中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側に設けることも可能であり、この場合には、上記のバックアップ部材２４を、取付部材２６よりも中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向上流側に突出させるようにしている。。   For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a reading sensor 9 and a backup member 24 provided on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 21 that faces the reading sensor 9 are located in the middle of the rotating roller 22 that faces the secondary transfer member 5. It is also possible to provide it on the downstream side in the moving direction of the transfer belt 21. In this case, the backup member 24 is protruded upstream of the mounting member 26 in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21. .

そして、このように読取センサー９及びバックアップ部材２４を上記の回転ローラ２２よりも中間転写ベルト２１の移動方向下流側に設けた場合には、中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成したトナー像を、中間転写ベルト２１から離隔された上記の二次転写部材５を通過させて読取センサー９の位置に導き、上記のバックアップ部材２４によって中間転写ベルト２１を読取センサー９側に付勢させた状態で、この中間転写ベルト２１の表面に形成されたトナー像を上記の読取センサー９によって読み取るようにする。   When the reading sensor 9 and the backup member 24 are provided on the downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 with respect to the rotating roller 22 as described above, the toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21. The secondary transfer member 5 separated from the transfer belt 21 is passed through the secondary transfer member 5 to the position of the reading sensor 9, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is urged toward the reading sensor 9 by the backup member 24. The toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is read by the reading sensor 9 described above.

本発明の一実施形態に係る画像形成装置を示し、トナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材に中間転写ベルトを用いた画像形成装置の概略説明図である。1 is a schematic explanatory view of an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer belt as an endless belt-shaped image holding member that holds and moves a toner image, showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 同実施形態の画像形成装置において、中間転写ベルトを設ける中間転写ユニットにおける一対のフレーム間に、一対のバックアップ部材と補助部材とを取付部材によって取り付けた状態を示した概略底面図である。5 is a schematic bottom view showing a state in which a pair of backup members and auxiliary members are attached by attachment members between a pair of frames in an intermediate transfer unit provided with an intermediate transfer belt in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 同実施形態の画像形成装置において、上記の中間転写ユニットにおける一対のフレーム間に設けられた取付部材に、一対のバックアップ部材と補助部材とを取り付けた状態を示した部分説明図である。FIG. 5 is a partial explanatory view showing a state in which a pair of backup members and auxiliary members are attached to attachment members provided between a pair of frames in the intermediate transfer unit in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. 同実施形態の画像形成装置において、中間転写ベルトに形成されたトナー像を上記のバックアップ部材と対向する位置において読取センサーによって読み取る状態を示した部分説明図である。4 is a partial explanatory view showing a state in which a toner image formed on an intermediate transfer belt is read by a reading sensor at a position facing the backup member in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 同実施形態の画像形成装置において、上記の読取センサー及びバックアップ部材を設ける位置を変更させた変更例の部分説明図である。FIG. 10 is a partial explanatory diagram of a modified example in which the position where the reading sensor and the backup member are provided is changed in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 装置本体
３ 給紙ローラ
４ タイミングローラ
５ 二次転写部材
６ 定着装置
７ 排紙ローラ
８ 第２クリーニング装置
８ａ クリーニングブレード
９ 読取センサー
１０Ａ〜１０Ｄ イメージングカートリッジ（トナー像形成手段）
１１ 感光体
１２ 帯電装置
１３ 露光装置
１４ 現像装置
１５ 第１クリーニング装置
１５ａ クリーニングブレード
２０ 中間転写ユニット
２１ 中間転写ベルト（像保持部材）
２２ 回転ローラ
２３ 一次転写部材
２４ バックアップ部材
２４ａ 表面部材
２４ｂ 支持部材
２５ フレーム
２６ 取付部材
２７ 補助部材
Ｓ 記録媒体 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Device main body 3 Paper feed roller 4 Timing roller 5 Secondary transfer member 6 Fixing device 7 Paper discharge roller 8 Second cleaning device 8a Cleaning blade 9 Reading sensor 10A to 10D Imaging cartridge (toner image forming means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Photoconductor 12 Charging apparatus 13 Exposure apparatus 14 Developing apparatus 15 1st cleaning apparatus 15a Cleaning blade 20 Intermediate transfer unit 21 Intermediate transfer belt (image holding member)
22 Rotating roller 23 Primary transfer member 24 Backup member 24a Surface member 24b Support member 25 Frame 26 Mounting member 27 Auxiliary member S Recording medium

Claims (6)

トナー像を保持して移動する無端ベルト状の像保持部材と、この像保持部材の表面にトナー像を形成するトナー像形成手段と、上記の像保持部材の表面に形成されたトナー像を読み取る読取センサーとを備えた画像形成装置において、上記の読取センサーが像保持部材の表面と所要間隔を介した位置に設けられると共に、この読取センサーと対向する像保持部材の裏面側に、像保持部材の幅方向に沿った取付部材が設けられ、上記の像保持部材の裏面に当接させて像保持部材を読取センサー側に付勢する一対のバックアップ部材が、像保持部材の幅方向両側部において上記の取付部材から読取センサー側に突出するように設けられると共に、上記の一対のバックアップ部材の間に、取付部材から読取センサー側に突出するように補助部材が設けられ、この補助部材が読取センサー側に突出する長さが、上記のバックアップ部材が読取センサー側に突出する長さ以下であることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 An endless belt-like image holding member that holds and moves the toner image, a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on the surface of the image holding member, and a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member In the image forming apparatus including the reading sensor, the reading sensor is provided at a position spaced from the front surface of the image holding member with a required distance, and the image holding member is disposed on the back side of the image holding member facing the reading sensor. A pair of backup members are provided on both sides in the width direction of the image holding member. Rutotomoni provided so as to protrude to the sensor side reading from the mounting member, between said pair of back-up member, the auxiliary member is set so as to protrude to the sensor side reading from the mounting member Is, the image forming apparatus characterized by the length of the auxiliary member protrudes to the sensor side reading is less than or equal to the length projecting the sensor side above the backup member is read. 請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、上記の一対のバックアップ部材が、取付部材よりも像保持部材の移動方向の下流側と上流側の少なくとも一方に突出するように設けられていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of backup members are provided so as to protrude at least one of a downstream side and an upstream side in the moving direction of the image holding member from the mounting member. An image forming apparatus. 請求項２に記載の画像形成装置において、上記の補助部材が取付部材よりも像保持部材の移動方向の下流側と上流側の少なくとも一方に突出するように設けられ、この補助部材が突出する長さが、上記のバックアップ部材が像保持部材の移動方向の下流側と上流側の少なくとも一方に突出する長さ以下であることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the auxiliary member is provided so as to protrude at least one of a downstream side and an upstream side in the moving direction of the image holding member from the mounting member, and the auxiliary member protrudes. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the backup member has a length that protrudes to at least one of the downstream side and the upstream side in the moving direction of the image holding member. 請求項１〜請求項３の何れか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、上記の像保持部材の表面に色彩の異なるトナー像を形成するトナー像形成手段が複数設けられていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of toner image forming means for forming toner images of different colors are provided on the surface of the image holding member. Image forming apparatus. 請求項１〜請求項４の何れか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、上記のトナー像形成手段にトナー像が形成される感光体が設けられ、上記の像保持部材が上記の感光体からトナー像が転写される中間転写ベルトであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the toner image forming unit includes a photoreceptor on which a toner image is formed, and the image holding member is formed from the photoreceptor. An image forming apparatus comprising an intermediate transfer belt onto which a toner image is transferred. 請求項５に記載の画像形成装置において、上記の中間転写ベルトの内周側に設けられて中間転写ベルトを回転駆動させる回転ローラと、上記の感光体に形成されたトナー像を中間転写ベルトに一次転写させる一次転写部材とが、中間転写ベルトの幅方向両側に設けられた一対のフレームに取り付けられた中間転写ユニットを用い、上記の取付部材がこの一対のフレーム間に架け渡すように設けられていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a rotation roller provided on an inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt and rotationally driving the intermediate transfer belt, and a toner image formed on the photoreceptor are used as the intermediate transfer belt. The primary transfer member to be primary-transferred is provided using an intermediate transfer unit attached to a pair of frames provided on both sides in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt, and the attachment member is provided so as to span between the pair of frames. An image forming apparatus.
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